GROWING ANEMONES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 March 1939, Page 3

GROWING ANEMONES

ILL-DRAINED SOIL DETESTED

The various strains of tuberous anemones are among the most gorgeous plants of the garden. Nevertheless the fact remains that they are often a dismal failure. One thing these plants will never tolerate is an illdrained soil. With a soil that tends to become waterlogged in winter, the probability is that the tubers will rot before they have a chance to grow. In the preparation of a site the first essential is naturally- deep digging, and, where the drainage is at all doubtful, plenty of sharp sand or road grit should be worked in. Like most other plants, anemones demand a reasonable supply of nutriment, but in common with bulbs, they have a dunnite aversion to fresh manure. A good dressing of very old well-rotted man ure will do much to ensure vigorous growth. The tubers should be covered to a depth of four or five inches according to the depth of the soil. In addition, it is sound practice in sticky soils, to envelop the tubers in sand. A handful placed under and around them will do much to improve local drainage. Opportunity should be taken, just as soon as the foliage appears through, to stir the soil between the rows. A hard cap is certain to be formed on the surface after heavy rains. There are today innumerable strains of these lovely flowers, single and doubles, and quite a few named varieties. Which are preferred, is merely a matter of personal taste for the growers. gooseberries SUMMER PRUNING. In the summer pruning of gooseberries, only the misplaced, crowded and unhealthy shoots are shortened to four of five leaves. Here and there sturdy, well-placed side-shoots, which have nlenty of space and do not crowd the centre of the bush, can be left intact, these being tipped in late summer. Any strong sucker shoots sprouting from the base of the bush can come off, too. If. however, there are diseased or faulty branches which have to be removed after fruiting has finished, leave a strong shoot or two at the base to fill the vacant space. ANCHUSA ITALICA BEAUTIFUL GARDEN PLANT. The beautiful blue of the Anchusa is a welcome addition to any garden. Unfortunately, the plants are inclined to straggle after being in bloom for a few weeks. The flowering period can be prolonged for some time by a little attention. When nearly all of the flower buds, with the exception of those of the top-most stems, have opened, cut the plants down to within 12 inches of the ground. Fresh shoots will then form and bear masses of flowers, which will give a far better display than those on the straggly shoots.